Dr. William M.H. Dung was one of the first physicians hired when the Kaiser Medical Care Program opened its new model of health maintenance organization in Hawaii 50 years ago.

Dung stayed with Kaiser for 32 years, holding top positions with the company for 21 years including chief of staff of the Kaiser Foundation Hospital. He retired in 1992 as president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group.

Dung, 79, died Sept. 19 at his Honolulu home.

He served on several professional organizations including the Hawaii Medical Association, the Hawaii Public Health Association and the Hawaii State Board of Medical Examiners.

Dung was born in Hawaii and grew up in Washington state. He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dung served for two years as a Navy medical officer.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Daisy; son Joseph W. Deng; daughters Janice D. Chang, Lili B.L.D. Ervin and Mary L. Dung; sisters Dorothy Inn Yung Roll and Darlene Inn Chung Leong; and nine grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary. Friends may call after 9 a.m. Burial will be at 1 p.m. in the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan for nursing scholarships.